Core 2 Quad Q9400 vs Celeron G3900
Core 2 Quad Q9400
Celeron G3900
Performance Spectrum - CPU
About PassMark
PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Core 2 Quad Q9400 is positioned at rank 1003 and the Celeron G3900 is on rank 419, so the Celeron G3900 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core 2 Quad Q9400
Performance Per Dollar Celeron G3900
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core 2 Quad Q9400 | Celeron G3900 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($25) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($39) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Yorkfield (2007−2009) / 45 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Skylake (2015−2016) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core 2 Quad Q9400 | Celeron G3900 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+56%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($25) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($39) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core 2 Quad Q9400 and Celeron G3900
Core 2 Quad Q9400
The Core 2 Quad Q9400 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2008-01-01. It is based on the Yorkfield (2007−2009) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.66 GHz, with boost up to 2.67 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 6 MB (total). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA775. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR1, DDR2, DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,160 points. Launch price was $249.
Celeron G3900
The Celeron G3900 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 51 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 2,155 points. Launch price was $42.
Processing Power
The Core 2 Quad Q9400 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Celeron G3900 offers 2 cores / 2 threads — the Core 2 Quad Q9400 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.67 GHz on the Core 2 Quad Q9400 versus 2.8 GHz on the Celeron G3900 — a 4.8% clock advantage for the Celeron G3900 (base: 2.66 GHz vs 2.8 GHz). The Core 2 Quad Q9400 uses the Yorkfield (2007−2009) architecture (45 nm), while the Celeron G3900 uses Skylake (2015−2016) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Quad Q9400 scores 2,160 against the Celeron G3900's 2,155 — a 0.2% lead for the Core 2 Quad Q9400. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Core 2 Quad Q9400 vs 4 MB (total) on the Celeron G3900.
| Feature | Core 2 Quad Q9400 | Celeron G3900 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4+100% | 2 / 2 |
| Boost Clock | 2.67 GHz | 2.8 GHz+5% |
| Base Clock | 2.66 GHz | 2.8 GHz+5% |
| L3 Cache | 0 kB | 4 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 6 MB (total)+2300% | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 45 nm | 14 nm-69% |
| Architecture | Yorkfield (2007−2009) | Skylake (2015−2016) |
| PassMark | 2,160 | 2,155 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 680 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 1,250 |
Memory & Platform
The Core 2 Quad Q9400 uses the LGA775 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Celeron G3900 uses LGA1151 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1066 on the Core 2 Quad Q9400 versus DDR4-2133 on the Celeron G3900 — the Celeron G3900 supports 28.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Celeron G3900 supports up to 64 GB of RAM compared to 8 GB — 155.6% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 0 (Core 2 Quad Q9400) vs 16 (Celeron G3900) — the Celeron G3900 offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.
| Feature | Core 2 Quad Q9400 | Celeron G3900 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA775 | LGA1151 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 1.1 | PCIe 3.0+173% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1066 | DDR4-2133+33% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 8 GB | 64 GB+700% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 0 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x (Core 2 Quad Q9400) vs VT-x, VT-d (Celeron G3900). The Celeron G3900 includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 510), while the Core 2 Quad Q9400 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core 2 Quad Q9400 targets Desktop, Celeron G3900 targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Celeron G3900 rivals Pentium G4400.
| Feature | Core 2 Quad Q9400 | Celeron G3900 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | Intel HD Graphics 510 |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | Desktop | Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Core 2 Quad Q9400 launched at $229 MSRP, while the Celeron G3900 debuted at $42. At current prices ($25 vs $39), the Core 2 Quad Q9400 is $14 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core 2 Quad Q9400 delivers 86.4 pts/$ vs 55.3 pts/$ for the Celeron G3900 — making the Core 2 Quad Q9400 the 44% better value option.
| Feature | Core 2 Quad Q9400 | Celeron G3900 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $229 | $42-82% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $25-36% | $39 |
| Performance per Dollar | 86.4+56% | 55.3 |
| Release Date | 2008 | 2015 |
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